When driving through many small towns one of the first things you notice is that most people smile and wave. In rural areas, towns and newspapers are smaller, but wide open spaces can go on for miles, separated by only crooked streams and dirt roads. In fact, according to the census bureau statistics, 94.6% of the United States is rural. On the other hand, only 16% of the population lives a rural lifestyle.
Despite the smaller population, there are numerous rural small businesses throughout the country. From the small single room rental cabin, to the larger bed and breakfast, from the lunch wagon truck to the small restaurant owner, all these people own and operate small rural businesses. Often rural businesses have been passed down from generation to generation, and sometimes adopting new marketing methods can be difficult. And yet, unless they are adopted, it could very well mean the end of that rural small business.
So you might drive a Ford pickup instead of a BMW, and your jeans might say "Wranglers" instead of "True Religion", but if you're the owner of a rural small business, you still need to realize that unless you're effectively marketing your business, it might not be around to pass to the next generation. But just how does someone who owns a rural small business market their services or products? Here are three ways to get started:
Create a Website. Having an online presence is probably the best way to advertise locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally. You can test new products and services and easily change pricing and distribution. Of course, part of the purpose of your site is to grab your visitor's name, email address and possibly other information. That way you can build loyalty by offering a newsletter, free information and then, communicate with your visitors, offering them coupons or other incentives to purchase from you.
Another very popular way that rural small businesses are taking advantage of high tech marketing methods is SMS/text marketing. Asking your customers if they'd like to receive a text letting them know about a new product or sale available not only is a great way to provide them with service that your competitors might not offer. And, because it's voluntary, you'll soon discover that your customers appreciate the reminder.
Social Media has become another popular and highly effective way of communicating with potential customers, increase traffic to your site and build brand loyalty. Facebook and Twitter are probably the two most popular social media platforms, however, other social media sites can also be effective in your marketing. Linked In can help you connect to other business owners. Pinterest might also be an excellent platform.
Certainly, venturing out and implementing new marketing ideas for your business can be stressful. This is why we recommend locating a company who specializes in helping rural small businesses get set up with a workable marketing plan. If you're interested in discussing your rural small business needs and concerns, then please contact us with any questions.
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